On
the 1st of June 1994, after two years of significant re-design and restoration,
the Monte-Cristo Estates in Port Marly, was re-opened to the public. The
re-inauguration of Alexandre Dumas property highlighted its 150th
anniversary : it was in 1844 that Dumas acquired the Montferrands hillock
which would be the site of his « Renaissance castle, moated writers
studio and English park ». Of his enchanting and intriguing Estates,
Dumas asserted, « Here I own a tiny earthly paradise »;
indeed, Monte-Cristo is much more than just an other « writers
home ». Alain Decaux, member of the Académie Française
and former President of the Society of Friends of Alexandre Dumas, has justifiably
echoed Dumas romantic claim with his own : « Monte-Cristo
is a dream come true ! »

A story-book castle

In 1846, Alexandre Dumas undertook the construction of his little Renaissance
château. He had the sculpted facades of Monte-Cristo display framed
portraits of his favorites writers, the artistic merit of which is owed
to Pradier and other sculptors of great fame. Dumas warm motto inscribed
over the entrance still maintains « I love those who love me ».

The
special craftsmen who accompanied the writer home from a voyage to Tunisia
are credited with the beautiful Moorish salon. And outside in the park,
charming grottoes and rose-bushes set off the miniature château of
If, the writers studio.

Dumas Estate also boasted a ménagerie, alive with both familiar,
local animals as well as more rare species. Several monkeys and a vulture
were among the squawking souvenirs from faraway voyages. Two entrance-pavilions
and a set of servants quarters on the other side of the road completed
the Estates. In sum, Alexandre Dumas « earthly paradise »
cost him some 200.000 nineteenth-century francs.

By the inauguration of Monte-Cristo in July 1847, Dumas was heavily in debt
and suffering increased pressure from his creditors. 1848 saw him forced
to sell all his furniture, and hardly a year later, Dumas had to give up
the entirety of the property he so loved.

At this time, Monte-Cristo entered a long period of negligence during which
it changed hands several times. In 1969, the property was scheduled for
demolition to make way for modern apartment complexes.

In 1972, the towns of Port-Marly, Marly-le-Roi and Le Pecq re-grouped in
an inter-community Union, bought the property and saved Monte-Cristo from
demolition. The Union benefited greatly from the help and influence of The
Friends of Alexandre Dumas Society, and especially from the groups
ardent President, Alain Decaux.

The Renaissance château, If and the park were at this point officially
classified as Historical Monuments. Although this rescued the Estate in
name, however, the enormity of the task which remained was staggering :
the entire property required resuscitation.

In 1977, the inter-community Union engaged in the first of many restorations,
with the backing of the State, the Region, the Province and with the ever
steadfast Friends of Alexandre Dumas. And by 1983, the Estate was ready
to be opened to the public for guided tours. It enjoyed a great success.

Two
years later, H.M. Hassan II, King of Morocco, generously financed a large
scale interior decoration of Dumas property. H.M. Hassan II was, in
fact, responsible for bringing in Moroccan craftsmen to restore the famous
Moorish Salon. The guided tours of Monte-Cristo became increasingly more
popular.

The 1990 decision to temporarily close the château allowed for major
restoration, landscaping and work on public access. Since June 1994, visitors
to Dumas Estate can discover a completely transformed Monte-Cristo.

The château façades have been totally restored so that Pradiers
sculpted motifs can finally be appreciated. The interior has been entirely
redone, with the publics comfort and ease foremost in mind. A second
staircase has been installed to safely accomodate visitors. A library with
a research centre graces the third floor.

The « English Park » has been totally re-landscaped.
A 100 spot parking-lot, located along the Montferrand hillside, discreetly
facilitates access to the grounds. A reception-pavilion has been erected
at the Estate entrance for ticket sales, brochures, books and souvenirs.
The grottoes and the rock-work which Dumas so treasured have been re-constructed.
Moreover, lighting and signs have been improved to better assist visitors
along their discovery of Monte-Cristo.

Any necessary modernisation of Monte-Cristo for the publics accomodation
and safety has been carefully and faithfully undertaken. The integrity and
character of Dumas original residence remains intact. Its charm and
romance, needless to say, are as appealing as ever.